Last call for farmers to be included in popular Minnesota Grown Directory

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is about to print its popular statewide Minnesota Grown Directory of farms and farmers markets selling directly to consumers. There is still time for Minnesota producers who grow or raise products, and those selling directly to consumers to list in the Directory. The membership deadline is January 31, 2016.

For only $60, farmers receive a year’s worth of advertising in both online and print. This includes access to other great Minnesota Grown member-only benefits, like the use of the trademarked logo and free stickers, price cards, and other promotional items.

The 2015 edition of the Minnesota Grown Directory had a recording breaking 1,027 farms and farmers markets, which the MDA aims to exceed this year. This April 155,000 copies of the Directory will be distributed statewide at tourist centers, libraries, chambers of commerce, farms, and retailers. The online Directory, http://www.minnesotagrown.com [ http://www.minnesotagrown.com/ ], is also extremely popular and had over 300,000 unique annual visitors in 2015.

"Consumers have been demanding local foods and that demand has increased dramatically over the last few years. We are the best source to discover a nearby farm or market," said Jessica Miles, Agricultural Marketing Specialist for the Minnesota Grown Program. "Our Directory is the most comprehensive and commonly used guide to local foods, fibers, and fun available in Minnesota."

The Minnesota Grown Program has more than 1,200 members, representing fruit and vegetable farms, livestock producers, farmers markets, CSA farms, orchards, garden centers, farm wineries, Christmas tree growers, and many more.

Potential new members may download an application or sign up and pay online at http://www.minnesotagrown.com [ http://www.minnesotagrown.com/ ]. Simply click on the "Become a Member" link beneath the "Members & Retailers" drop-down menu. You can also contact Jessica Miles with questions (651-201-6170 or jessica.miles@state.mn.us) and to request an application by mail.